Old Beechy Rail Trail: Gellibrand to Beech Forest

Old Beechy Rail Trail: Gellibrand to Beech Forest

The Old Beechy Rail Trail follows the old narrow gauge railway line, “The Beechy” that carried huge timbers that were cut from this mountain district over many years. Harvesting of regrowth forest continues today albeit with more modern techniques.

The old photos in the pavilion in Beech Forest provide an historical backdrop to this forest ride.

This trail is just about all up or all down, depending on the direction you take and it travels through a range of forest environments. The remnants of an old bridge, engines and sidings can be found along the way.

The ride commences at the railway siding in Gel¬librand, close by to the local pub, general store and picnic facilities. Starting along the footpath, the trail crosses the road and joins the old rail line as it heads out of the small town, up through surrounding farm¬land slowly climbing into the rainforest where the bird life is prolific.

After a few kilometres passing through tall timber country the trail becomes bordered by young regrowth forest, passing close by copses where recent logging has been occurring. After the Banool siding the route leaves the forest and moves on to a section of road whose gradient will get your legs working. A granny gear will help a lot.

After about one and a half kilometres on the road the route rejoins the trail as it heads off to the left back into the forest. Further along the trail crosses the road at the Wim¬bah siding where there is a small shelter. At around eleven kilometres the track has been closed temporarily due to logging and the route returns to the road until you reach the Dinmont siding. From here on the path is heavily shaded as it hugs the side of the hill where after rain water cascades down small creeks under the path. This section of the path is be¬ing realigned between logging areas and farmland and should take you all the way to Beech Forest along an improved trail.

The end of your journey takes you to an information pavilion and toilet. The pub is about 200 metres ahead down the road if you want to get some refreshment.

Terrain

The surface is mostly compacted gravel on a gentle gradient, which is what you would expect from a rail trail. Parts of the trail are a little rough but this is part of its charm as a bush trail. The short sections on gravel roads are considerably steeper than the trail. Current improvement works being carried out on the track also necessitate additional road use. These should be com¬pleted by time of publication. As this is thick timber country the ride should not be attempted on extreme fire danger days. Traffic The trail is surrounded by timber plantations and there are logging trucks that use the road infrequently. How to Get There Gellibrand is located 55 kilometres north west of Apollo Bay. Leaving the coast from Skenes Creek, turn left at the Beech Forest Mount Sabine Road (Turtons Road). After passing through some magnificent forest country and then through Beech Forest, you turn right at Charleys Creek Road and follow this to Gellibrand. Vicroads Map 101:A2.

Food and Drink

There is a fantastic general store/café at Gellibrand with lots of great food. Both towns have hotels that serve food and refreshments. There is nothing in between.